Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with great pomp all over Maharashtra. Because of coronavirus, this year as well, the state government has imposed rules for the festivities. While celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi, devotees have to adhere to the rules and help prevent the spread of the virus. The state government has proclaimed rules for this year’s celebration, with regulations for the public and homemade idols of the lord. As per the guidelines announced, by the state government, the limit for public Ganesh idols should be 4 feet and for domestic Ganesh idols is 2 feet.
Along with this, the government has issued many more rules. From preventing overcrowding and much more, rules have been established.
Guidelines for celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi
- For Ganesh Chaturthi, mandals will be required to take permission from BMC or the local administration.
- Pavilions should be built in a limited manner as per the policy decided by the Municipal Corporation or the local administration. Since the festival is expected to be celebrated with simplicity, extravagant decorations should be avoided.
- The height of the idol in the public Ganesh mandals should not exceed 4 feet and the height of the idol in the house shouldn’t exceed 2 feet.
- If possible, worship a metal or marble idol and the immersion should be done at home. If immersion at home isn’t possible, the idol should be immersed in a nearby artificial immersion site.
- Forceful donations shouldn’t be made, emphasis should be given to health and social media ads.
- Priority should be given to health-related activities or camps rather than cultural programs. Awareness about cleanliness should be created.
- The restrictions imposed by the state government will remain in force during the festival as well.
- While organizing aarti, bhajan, kirtan or other religious ceremonies, it should be ensured that the crowd isn’t there. Noise pollution rules should be followed.
- To avoid crowding of citizens, maximum arrangements should be made to make Ganesh darshan available online through cable networking, website, social media etc.
- Adequate arrangements for disinfection and thermal screening should be made in the Ganpati mandals
- Arrival and immersion processions shouldn’t be taken out. Aarti performed at the place of immersion should be done at home itself. Children and senior citizens should avoid visiting the immersion site. The immersion procession of Ganesh idols shouldn’t be taken out together in the vicinity and the building.
- With the help of the Municipal Corporation, various boards, housing societies, public representatives and NGOs, artificial ponds should be made for immersion of the idols.
- To prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the rules laid down by the state government, health department, municipal administration, local police administration should be followed.
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